Thursday, May 06, 2021

Connecticut Supreme Court Hears Arguments In Challenge To Gym's Women's Section

The Connecticut Supreme Court heard oral arguments (audio of full arguments) in Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities v. Edge Fitness LLC, (5/5/2021). Courthouse News Service reports in detail on the oral arguments and describes the issues involved:

In the underlying case, two gyms run by Edge Fitness set aside special workout areas only for women, catering primarily to devout Muslim and Jewish women who are forbidden by their religious beliefs to exercise with men. Nobody complained to the gyms’ management, according to the gyms’ attorneys.

After the separate sections were created, however, two male gym members filed discrimination complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. A hearing officer initially concluded the separate workout areas did not violate the state law, likening the areas to single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms.

Briefs in the case are available online.